Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

The community of Trinity has been worshiping in Downtown Omaha since the city’s earliest days. Founded in 1856 by Nebraska’s first settlers, Trinity came through a financial crash, a building fire, and the struggles of the frontier before moving into a beautiful building on the corner of 18th and Capitol in 1883. We’ve been there ever since, making Trinity Cathedral the oldest church building in Nebraska still in use.

That long legacy has given us a love of beauty and history, which shows up in our architecture, our music, and our worship. It’s also made us committed to serving the physical, spiritual, and social needs of our neighbors as an inclusive, loving community where everyone can find a home.

Despite our long history, we’re also forward-looking. We’re open to new ideas and new ways of being, and we love trying out creative solutions to the challenges we face. In the spirit of our founders, we’re always ready for the next frontier.

A Cathedral for Nebraska

Trinity Cathedral is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, an organization of over 50 churches located all over the Cornhusker state. Our Diocese is a diverse community of people who gather to encourage and support each other in worshiping Jesus, nurture each other through good times and bad, and reach out in service to the larger world.

As Christians, we are called to join in God’s restoration of the world through Jesus. We’re meant to mend relationships, to respond to human need, to draw nearer to God in worship and prayer. That overall mission takes particular form in lots of ways at Trinity. Through our worship, our programs, and our community’s life together, we offer our gifts to God’s use in the world. No matter what we find ourselves doing, though, it’s all in service to what we aim to be: a gathering place where people can meet Jesus, be transformed by it, and help God transform the world. 

To us, “church” is a community of people, not a building or a denomination. We come to Trinity to be with people who teach us about the love of God. We come to be a part of something larger than ourselves. We come because praying, serving, and learning together is more meaningful—and more fun—than going it alone. 

Dean Vanessa E. B. Clark
Dean of Trinity Cathedral

vclark@trinityepiscopal.org

The Very Rev. Vanessa E. B. Clark has served Trinity Episcopal Cathedral as Dean and Rector since 2021, leading the congregation in radical welcome of all persons in worship, service, and community engagement. Dean Clark is an active member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance in Omaha. She attended Bexley Hall Seminary for her theological studies and was ordained in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. In 2009 she began ministry at St. James Episcopal Church in Painesville, Ohio. Her time in Ohio was spent leading diverse parishes. She served as Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer for the diocese and Vice President of the Ohio Council of Churches. Dean Clark’s previous involvement as a board member of Lake County LGBTQ+ Allies and as a member of the Painesville Rotary Club has made her passionate about social justice and service to our neighbors in need. She and her husband, author Mark Clark, have two children and happily reside in Omaha.

The Rev. Deacon Ellen Ross
Deacon

ereimerross@hotmail.com

The Rev. Deacon Ellen Ross is a life-long Episcopalian, and resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa.  She was ordained a Deacon at Trinity Cathedral in May of 1988 and has continued to serve here throughout her ordained ministry. She serves liturgically at all services, and visits those in hospitals or with limited mobility providing fellowship and communion. She also serves as a Director and Secretary of the Fund for the Diaconate, a corporation that serves Episcopal deacons by helping to provide grants and allowances in times of financial need.

The Rev. Dr. Kate Hennessy-Keimig
Priest Associate

khennessykeimig@gmail.com

The Rev. Kate Hennessy-Keimig is a bi-vocational priest and psychologist who serves in the Diocese of Nebraska.

Stacy Gustin
Canon for Administration and Finance

sgustin@trinityepiscopal.org

Stacy has been a member of the Trinity Cathedral staff since 1992. As the Canon for Administration and Finance, she is responsible for maintaining the financial and parish records, coordinating the cathedral calendar, and assisting the Dean, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and Treasurer with various projects.  Additionally, she coordinates the Every Member Canvas, assists with coordination for weddings and funerals, and assists all Cathedral ministry teams. 

Brother James Dowd, OSB
Prior of Incarnation Monastery

jdowd@episcopal-ne.org

Brother James Dowd, OSB is a Benedictine monk in the Episcopal Church and the Prior of Incarnation Monastery and The Benedictine Way in Omaha. Brother James' ministry at the cathedral is focused on the prayer and spiritual life of the community. He has previously served in monasteries in New York State and South Africa.    

Alexander J. Hoefling
Canon for Music

music@trinityepiscopal.org

Alex graduated in 2013, with his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music from Briar Cliff University, located in Sioux City, Iowa. Hoefling studied voice with Dr. Mary Day, O.S.F. and Ms. Shannon Salyards; conducting with Dr. Sean M. Burton. As a trained Operatic Tenor and Countertenor, he has enjoyed a multitude of experiences. He has spent his career singing and conducting in choral, orchestra, operatic, and solo recital settings throughout the United States and Europe. Mr. Hoefling was the Assistant Director of Music for the Archdiocese of Omaha (2013-15), and served as Assistant Conductor of the Omaha Children’s Choir (2015-2017). Mr. Hoefling was the K-12 Director of Vocal Music for Oakland-Craig Public Schools (2016-2019), and has served as a Baritone/Tenor Section Leader at both St. Cecilia’s Cathedral (2014-15) and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (2015-19). He taught at Lincoln High School (2019-2021) where he directed, prepared and conducted all vocal music ensembles: Mixed Choir, Chamber Choir, Vocal Links (Adaptive Music), LHS Chorale, Momentum Varsity Show Choir, Impulse Preparatory Show Choir and the yearly musicals. Hoefling remains an active vocal coach and adjudicator for contests and show choir competitions throughout the Midwest.

Abby Z. Ybay, Obl/OSB
Communications Minister

azimmerman@trinityepiscopal.org

Abby Zimmerman Ybay is a Kansas native who came to Omaha in 2018 to join The Benedictine Service Corps, working part-time at Trinity. She later became an Oblate and Dean of The Benedictine Way, and began working in communications and graphic design in 2020. As Trinity’s Communications Minister, she manages the Trinity website, social media, and newsletter, and designs our printed materials and graphics.

Bill Lenox Dunbar
Head Verger and Acolyte Master

dunbar.bill2@gmail.com

I have had the privilege of being Head Verger and Acolyte Master of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral since 2016, receiving my Fellow in the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church in 2017. I am Warden of the Trinity chapter of the Order of St. Vincent’s and a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, mentoring youth for the God & Country Award in Scouting America – BSA and other youth organizations. I am also a member of the Diocese of Nebraska ECUSA Liturgy Group.

“The ministry of the vergers is to help to lead the church in bearing witness in the world to the hospitality of God, by helping the church to be a truly hospitable place, by helping us to worship the Lord our God in dignity, in order, in beauty, and in truth in the church so that we can go forth to witness to that God to the world.” - The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

Maurice Thompson
Sexton and Honorary Canon